A tragic shooting took place at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday morning, leaving one police officer dead and several others injured. The suspect, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, was reportedly angry and grieving over the recent death of a loved one who had been in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).
The Attack at UPMC Memorial
At around 10:30 a.m., Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties. He went straight to the ICU and took several hospital staff members hostage. During the attack, he shot a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian. Thankfully, all three victims survived and are now in stable condition.
Three police officers were also shot when law enforcement responded to the scene. Unfortunately, West York Borough police officer Andrew Duarte lost his life. The other two officers were injured but are expected to recover.
Motive Behind the Attack
Authorities believe that Archangel-Ortiz was upset with the hospital staff, thinking they had not done enough to care for his family member, who had been terminally ill. The relative had passed away within the last week, and Ortiz struggled to accept the loss. This grief and anger apparently led him to target the ICU and the medical team that had treated his loved one.
How Police Responded
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police and the York County Quick Response Team, arrived quickly. They tried to negotiate with Archangel-Ortiz, but he later emerged from the ICU holding a hospital worker hostage. The staff member’s hands were tied with zip ties, and the situation became even more dangerous.
Realizing the imminent threat, officers had no choice but to act. They fired at Archangel-Ortiz, killing him and preventing further harm. York County District Attorney Tim Barker stated that surveillance footage and witness accounts confirmed the officers acted lawfully.
Community Reaction
The incident has deeply affected the community. “This is a huge loss,” District Attorney Barker said, praising Officer Duarte for his bravery in protecting others. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also spoke about the tragedy, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families.
Despite the terrifying events, no hospital patients were harmed. The hospital continues to provide support to its staff and those affected by the shooting.
